Pretenders Star Slams Vogue for Attacking Bardot After Death

The Pretenders frontwoman has launched a fierce defense of Brigitte Bardot's cultural impact after the French screen legend faced posthumous criticism over her controversial political stances. Bardot passed away at 91 on December 28, 2025, at her Saint-Tropez home following a brief cancer battle that required two major operations.

Her funeral drew public attention across the French Riviera town. Bernard d'Ormale, her husband, later told Paris Match that doctors discovered the cancer shortly before her death.

Fashion Media Under Fire

Chrissie Hynde erupted on social media after Vogue published a piece questioning Bardot's legacy. The article, titled "Mourning Brigitte Bardot Doesn't Mean Absolving Her," sparked outrage from the rock veteran.

"Are you kidding me? Vogue magazine vilifying Brigitte Bardot the minute she died?" Hynde wrote. "Vogue magazine, and every fashion magazine in the world for that matter, owes more to Brigitte Bardot than any other human living or dead."

Political Controversies Resurface

Bardot faced legal troubles between 1997 and 2008, appearing in court five times on charges of inciting racial hatred through anti-Islamic statements. She openly supported Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of France's National Rally party. His daughter Marine, who later led the organization, attended Bardot's funeral.

These associations have complicated public memory of the actress-turned-activist.

Animal Rights vs Politics

Hynde dismissed political considerations entirely. "She personified grace, elegance, beauty, glamour, style, and women's rights. She was an animal rights activist and anyone who knows anything about animal rights knows that we will always side with the animal if it's being tortured or abused in any way."

The musician argued that "politics has nothing to do with it" when evaluating Bardot's contributions. She challenged the Islamophobia accusations directly: "A 'phobia' is an irrational fear. I cannot imagine that Bardot had any irrational fears judging by the way she lived her life. Perhaps people working for Vogue magazine should buy themselves a dictionary."

Hynde concluded by contrasting rock culture with fashion industry practices. "I'm not even sure why anyone buys Vogue magazine but then I'm in the rock 'n' roll business. We don't use make up artists or stylists. If anything we just try to emulate our heroes, like Lemmy and Brigitte Bardot."

Pop star Chappell Roan initially posted an Instagram tribute referencing Bardot as inspiration for "red wine supernova." After backlash, she deleted the post and wrote: "Holy shit I did not know all that insane shit Ms. Bardot stood for. I do not condone this. Very disappointing to learn."